Coil/over version targeted at aggressive trail riders and the freeriding set. Vanilla Forx use a coil spring in both legs. The left side is adjustable with a preload knob on the crown, or by replacing it with a different rate. The right-side spring is considered a “helper” and is not adjustable // Precision Steering Control (PSC) // Fox Lubrication System (FLS) // Shimmed Damping Control
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Strengths: SUPER PLUSH!! At almost 5in of travel, my 125 RLC will go over almost anything and you hardly notice it! The Rebound, Compression, and adjustable resistance Lockout offer almost endless tweaking. Although not the lightest fork out on the market, It isn't so heavy as to make your bike feel like a tank. The fork legs are super stiff, and Ive never felt even a hint of funkyness when cornering real hard, or when taking a significant bump.
Weaknesses: I have yet to find any...this fork is the pinnacle of front suspension of development...strong, durable, and virtually indestructable...
Bottom Line:
This fork is a must have for any serious rider. Ive ridden Rock Shox and other brands and NOTHING compares to the ride given by the Vanilla 125 RLC. If 125mm is too much for your riding style, its super easy to turn it down to 80 or 100mm as well...so its super flexible. Dont be fooled by other brands...once youve ridden a Fox Forx, you will wonder how youve managed to survive w/out one...
Bike Setup: Trek 6000 XC, Fox Vanilla 125 RLC, XT Front and rear derail's, LX cranks and shifter/brake pods, XTR V-brakes, Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite XL rims, Michelin Wildgripper XL tires, XT rear and LX front hubs, King headset, Ritchey Pro comp stem, Easton EA-70 bar, Bontrager Pro/Comp Seatpost and Seat.
If you are thinking about buying Psylos over these, forget it. In fact, don't buy anything else. Fox are the best you can buy. I've been running Floats on my race bike for two years and they have been faultless. My enduro has now been transformed. You can blatter over loads of stuff with these!!
Moving from rockshocks to the WILL transform your bike. You'll be able to steer instead of getting deflection from rocks.etc.
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003
Strengths: Plush, Stiff, Light
Weaknesses: Travel adjustment is peculiar, not very durable
Bottom Line:
Excellent trail fork. You might want to up the stiffness of the spring by one for dirt jumping. Stiff, so far, new uppers have been durable. I just hope it lasts.
Similar Products Used: Marzocchi X-Fly 100, Marzocchi EXR Comp
Bike Setup: Specialized P.1
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Shedlock
a Racer
from Saylorsburg, Pa USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Strengths: Great fork, the fork has wide upper and lower arm very super plus, the control in steering is great better then any fork I've rode, no flex
Weaknesses: nothing really
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks dude I got it for a hell of a deal because a friend of mine was owed money for a job he did so i asked for this fork since i busted mine. this fork handles great a little noise when you have the fox thight with the hard spring Its fairly light for how beefy the fork is very easy to work on and the fox sevice is great on this fork
Bike Setup: vanilla r 125, rinolite rims hayes mec disc brack, xt comps. azonic shorty FSR pro
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Deeez Nutz
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Strengths: Adjustability (compared to previous fork.... Duke). Super plush, has not bottomed out (210 lb me), stiff as shhhhht (again compared to slutty Duke)
Weaknesses: The infamous bushing rattle.
Bottom Line:
The bushing rattle... I don't understand it. It doesn't bother me until I hit a set of small, rapid bumps, washboard type of stuff. At that time there is noise that makes me want to dismount and ask Mr. Vanilla if everything is OK. Sometimes I cry. But I have not experienced the noise in any other conditions, and the rattle, or apparent space between bushing and stanchion, does not seem to be getting worse. It does not bottom out when I ride 'er rough, it doesn't flex when I have almost all my weight on the front tire with my hand on the front brake, it doesn't... do any other bad stuff. All around I would have to say that it has been a pleasure owning such a work of engineering. Maybe it is because I have only the Duke to compare it to recently. Either way, who cares. I dig it.
Purchased At: came on used bike recently purchased
Similar Products Used: Duke SL 100, Rock Shox Indy XC, Mag 21 back in the day
Bike Setup: GT Ruckus I-drive, be jealous
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dogbert
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebanon, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Strengths: Torsional stiffness at 100mm travel; Gets advertised travel
Weaknesses: Terrible compression damping, especially over stutter bumps; 100mm travel feels like 50mm; noticeable flex at 125mm travel.
Bottom Line:
I'm not feelin' the love with this fork, even after giving it enough time to break in (last July 'til now). Maybe I was spoiled by the plushness of my Z1, but the compression damping on the Fox makes the fork feel "dead". I am using the correct springs & preload for my weight, and have experimented with the setup. However, although I'm getting full travel, it feels like I'm riding a fork with half the travel. The best way I can describe it is, underneath the Z1, washboard-type bumps just disappeared. With the Fox, I feel every hit, which diminishes my control.
For about a week last fall, I tried the fork at 125mm travel. After having ridden it at 100mm, the fork flex was noticeable, even moreso than the Z1 at 130mm.
On a positive note, I haven't had any of the bushing slop &/or excessive oil leaking on the sliders that others have complained about.
All in all, it's been a decent fork, but not nearly as good as I expected. If all I wanted was something that was torsionally stiff, I'd ride a HeadShok-equipped bike. I'm torn between swapping the guts for the '03 version, which I heard is improved, or ditching the fork altogether.
Submitted by
taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from amherst ma USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Bottom Line:
this is actually a question...i'm looking to buy a vanilla rl from a guy for $200, and he says the bushings feel "really weird." Anyone know about this? if you have any info email me please (taylor_goodwin@eudoramail.com) thanks
Submitted by
Wolfspyder
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond,Va
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Strengths: Best fork I've used so far, but to be fair it is the 2nd suspension fork. Hitting bumps/rocks/roots is far better on my control then my previous fork. Fox customer service.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
I've had the fork near a year now and it was the best investment I've made for ride handling. I am getting a new full suspension bike now, both shocks are Fox. Coming from a Jett to the Fox is like night and day. I can go much faster, especially downhill, without losing control from my front in bouncing all over on me. I did have one problem with the fork. When I purchased it, it did not have the 3 balls in the lockout lever. I had to press down to engage the lockout. I found this out after a friend go a float on his new bike and saw how it worked. When I took apart the knobs to see the difference I noticed the missing balls, as well as promptly losing the detent ball underneath the compression knob. I emailed Fox, who within 20 minutes emailed me backing saying to call. I called, and the Rep is sending me 4 detent balls for my fork no charge. Great customer service and a great product=)
Bike Setup: Schwinn Mesa Disc, stock except for Fox Vanilla RLC 125 and shimano 959 pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
will
a Weekend Warrior
from new zealand
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Strengths: stiff, plush, choice of spring, warranty (again!)
Weaknesses: seals and bushes - mine are being rebuilt under warranty for the second time due to oil leaking. first time the bushes had gone too after just six months. second rebuild followed the first by only six weeks!
Bottom Line:
good fork but i hope the 2003 version has better seals and bushes. i hope the warranty gives me the 2003 model! i wouldn't bother with these if you're riding frequently or on demanding terrain. i'm light (60kgs) and not crashing off things more than about 1.5 metres high and they've still crapped out twice. i expect more from my bike, and warranty issues like this leave me with substandard gear while repairs are made. if it had only been once i might be more tolerant. next time i'll get marzocchi. ratings would be 5 for both value and overall, but i haven't got the fork at present, so poor marks.
Bike Setup: Specialized P1 frame, Singletrack wheelset, blackspire ds1..
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Hora
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Strengths: Absolutely the best forks ever used. Not one problem, let me repeat that - 6months of sweet riding. I'm 6foot 15.5stone so not to easy on the front end yet they are still as plush as the day first bought.
Weaknesses: ? Sod off there isn't any
Bottom Line:
I owned a pair of Manitou's for 1 month. Why did they release this utterly naff fork onto the market? It has the same quality as a RST fork. The Psylos; also 1 month. Utterly pointless and not inspired by the feel/build quality.
Ok, the Fox weigh a bit more but they utterly reward and forgive.
Similar Products Used: Shiver triple clamp, Judy SL's, Manitou Black Super Air, 2002 Psylo Race
Bike Setup: Yeti AS-X, Deemax, CT2 carbon front and rear, Hope anchors, raceface crank. 28lb set up!
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
MOUNTAIN CREW
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Strengths: I got the Vanilla 125RLC and this thing tracks the trail like you wouldn't believe. It soaks up everything! Small bumps, big ones, you name it! And it makes jumping so much more fun! It turns like a dream, very tight, quick, and nimble in the turns! I have it on my hardtail for now until I get my F/S frame but that will come when I am overseas and I will build it up!
Weaknesses: NONE!!!!
Bottom Line:
This thing freakin ROCKS!!!!! I would tell anyone to buy this fork and slap it on a hardtail, and when I get my F/S rig I will write another review and let you know how I feel about it then!! BUY IT!!!!!!!
Bike Setup: M4 Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail. I run Rhyno Lite XL's with XT disc hubs and Avid Mechs, All XT driveline except Cranks that are Race face. Thomson post, Easton Monkey Lite's w/ Race Face Diabolus stem. I run WTB MotoRaptor 2.24's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Coconut Creek, FL
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Strengths: No Flex
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
This fork is the sh!t. It has one upped Marzocchi. I thought I'd never get a fork better than my Z-1. Corners tight, rides over everything smoothly. I'm big guy and I have complete confidence it this fork. I use all 5 inches of travel and never feel like I'm over stressing the fork. I can take tighter lines that I couldn't before. Everyone should get a fork this good. I only hear some valving noise when I'm riding through an easy section that doesn't require much concentration.
Bike Setup: Ellsworth Isis, CT-2 bar, King Headset,Fox Vanilla 125RL, Raceface LP turbine cranks, Romic rear shock, Avid Mech disc brakes, Rhyno lite rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Stewart
a Weekend Warrior
from Dundee Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Strengths: Solid, dependable, adjustable, durable, simple, and Foxy!!!
Weaknesses: The "tic" (annoying rather than concerning). The involuntary movement of the red rebound knob when the lockout lever is used (by the way the recent "tip" to stop this doesn't work - I've tried it. Tolerences are just too tight).No remote lockout on the bars. And finally, no external travel adjustment (one of your subscribers suggested the 3 springs are only for matching to riders weight - in fact if you read the manual you'll see the springs need changing if you change the travel).
Bottom Line:
What can I say that hasn't been said a million times (slight exageration!!) before. These forks are the dogs bollocks. Every other fork manufacturer back to your drawing boards please. My only gripe centers around the movement of the rebound knob and the lack of external travel adjustment and a bar mounted remaote lockout (like I have with my Stratos shock -oh what a joy that is to operate - infinately adjustable compression dampening from super plush through to ridged at the touch of a lever). Can any one out there in bike land tell me if Fox intends to make and sell an after market travel and lockout kit??? I do hope so ( or has anyone beat them too it and improvised - email me with the details - Ta).
Similar Products Used: Psylo SL's (pissed out oil from the word go)
Bike Setup: Scott Octane FX1 (circa 2000) XTR, AC, Stratos XC Pro shock, Hope Minis (what a brake!!!!), and all the usual suspects.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Rodriguez
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002
Strengths: 32mm stanchions are stiff. No stictition. Stone simple, reliable and they work. You get full travel (125mm is 125mm)
Weaknesses: They only come in cooking stove black.
Bottom Line:
Best fork I have ever ridden. I put one in my Sugar and I liked it so much that I bought a second one for my hard tail, and what a difference it made. It works as advertised. Bolt to your bike and ride, ride. Forget about adjusting air pressure and carrying a pump. One fork has the travel lock but I taped it shut so it won't lock on me by accident. My trails are too rocky to worry about pedaling efficiency; hell, if you can ride them at all you are a stud muffin. If you are not a weight weenie and just like to ride stuff and survive, this is your fork. The self-lubricating legs are a nice thing; just wipe clean after a ride and you are good to go again. Five flaming turds for an excellent product
Hey I'v got a fox vanilla 125R from 2002 and I just got another fox vanilla with the extra springs. Now my question is: are the springs the same? Or did thy change the length to ke Read More »
Hey everyone,
I just got my hands on a used Vanilla 125RL fork and I was wondering if there was any way of knowing which model year it was? Any distinguishing features from the Read More »
No where to be found? I wonder when OR if they will ever release it? Might they be waiting in releasing it considering how they dropped the ball on making the Fox 36 RC? Hopefully Read More »
I have had this forx since 2003 and the lockout has never worked like I think it should. Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you fix it? Read More »
I am thinking about buying a Vanilla 32 R front shock for $425.00 to be used for trail riding is this a good shock or should I be buying something else for the money? Read More »
